May is National Mental Health Month

Image via Wikipedia

May is National Mental Health Month. According to Mental Health America, 58% of parents reported struggling in their lives in 2008. Stress is a major influence in mental health and can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Stress leads to depression and can lead you down a further road.

Up until recently, having a mental health issue was often looked upon as a bad thing. According to Wikipedia, having mental issues was often seen as a moral issue, either a punishment for sin or a test of faith and character. In the 16th  to 18th centuries, the mentally disturbed were often victims of witch-hunts. By the end of the 17th century, people with mental illness were treated harshly, often getting whipped and restrained.

Here in the United States, in the 19th and 20th centuries, we saw a boom in psychology and social work, as professions. In the 60s, psychiatric hospitals were closed down, making way for community mental health services, thus leading to some patients becoming homeless or in jail due to inadequate services. You can read more about the History of Mental Health over at MentalHealth.com.

There are still stigmas attached to someone who has mental illness. Although there are more resources for someone who is experiencing depression, for example, there are still feelings of inadequacy and shame, not to mention public ridicule. We as parents are expected to be”perfect”, to be able to have it all and do it all, especially single parents.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and overstressed, remember,  there are resources out there!

Mental Health America provides these tips for Parenting During Tough Economic Times:

• Limit kids’ exposure to worries. Try not to talk too much about your own fears when the kids are listening, and consider turning off the TV news. You may think your 5-year-old tunes out adult topics, but he may hear just enough to spark his active imagination.
• Share honestly but appropriately. Secrets can be scary. You certainly don’t want to overwhelm your child with information, but it’s probably best to share some of your family’s financial situation. Take a reassuring approach by pointing out any areas you know are stable, such as staying in the same school despite any other changes.
• Economize in a way that’s clear and fair. If you need to scale back on your children’s after-school activities, letting them pick from a few options may decrease their disappointment. You might also consider less-expensive options at local community centers and libraries too. And don’t forget to show kids that you’re cutting back on some of your own “extras” as well.
• Keep predictability high. Kids like routine. Make sure your child’s includes exercise to burn off energy, soothing nighttime activities and, above all, some special time with you. Children crave attention, and if they’re not getting it in positive ways they may get it by acting out.
• Let kids contribute. Even little kids can help around the house to ease your load. They also can donate old clothes or toys to a local shelter. Helping out builds self-esteem and a child’s sense of effectiveness in the world.
• Take a breather. Let’s face it: Raising kids can be a ton of work. If you feel that your stress is affecting your ability to be kind and gentle, go off somewhere to regain your composure. Don’t let your kids feel it’s their fault you’re having a bad moment.
• Set aside “me” time. You’re probably working hard at work and then working hard at home. If you don’t refuel somehow, you’re going to run out of steam. Get enough rest, squeeze in a little fun, and maybe take just 10 minutes to connect with friends. Learn more about some simple ways to take care of yourself and boost your emotional strength at www.LiveYourLifeWell.org.
• Get professional help if you need it. If you’re having trouble parenting–or dealing with any of your other day-to-day responsibilities–a mental health professional can help you learn new coping skills. Some sources for finding therapists include your primary care doctor, clergy member or Mental Health America affiliate. If your child is showing signs of stress like trouble sleeping, headaches, or acting sullen or angry, you also can talk with a school psychologist or guidance counselor.

Here are a couple of links that can help someone who may be experiencing mental health issues:

Find help using Mental Health America’s website here.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has great resources, like research funding news, science news, and even a video about depression.

You can also contact your local Department of Social Services or search for a provider at SuperPages.com.

About Nichole Smith

Nichole Smith has written 311 posts on The Guilty Parent.

Founder of The Guilty Parent and Chaos in the Country (http://www.chaosinthecountry.com), Nichole is a writer, blogger, social media strategist, wife to one, mother to four and embracer of mommy guilt.

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